Phasing Out Methyl Bromide

Courtesy of USDA

For many years, methyl bromide has been used to fumigate facilities and commodities. However, its use is being phased out under the Montreal Protocol (an international agreement ratified by more than 160 countries) due to concerns that it depletes the stratospheric ozone layer. And so the search for a methyl bromide alternative began.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, in an article about methyl bromide replacements, stated: "Though sulfuryl fluoride (ProFume* gas fumigant) must undergo rigorous EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) registration procedures, its approval will provide an acceptable alternative to methyl bromide, thus filling a substantial need for postharvest fumigants." ⁽¹⁾

Dow AgroSciences LLC is committed to developing and marketing environmentally responsible products. In fact, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded Dow AgroSciences the Stratospheric Ozone Protection Award for its development of ProFume gas fumigant. Given annually, this award honours corporations and individuals who develop and use viable alternatives to ozone-depleting chemicals.